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Senators Isakson and Chambliss shake hands with students and community members at the Town Hall meeting held in the Recreation and Fitness Center. Photo by Ashton Jones

By Ali Neese, Staff Writer

Georgia’s two senators Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) came to the Young Harris College campus to host a town hall meeting on August 30. The senators discussed current issues and gave both students and the townspeople an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions.

YHC President Cathy Cox opened the assembly by greeting the students and members of the community. Rev. Dr. Tim Moore, campus minister, led the invocation and Student Government Association President Emalyn Cork led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Local elected officials from Towns and Union Counties were recognized.

The senators began by sharing a bit of their background. Chambliss and Isakson graduated from the University of Georgia in the same year, both with business degrees. Chambliss received his law degree from the University of Tennessee and Isakson served in the Georgia Air National Guard. Each shared stories about their political careers and their rise to the Senate before the start of the meeting.

Isakson began his address to the audience by saying that town hall meetings are “about you and us listening to you.”

Isakson spoke about the importance of living within one’s means and the U.S. government’s need to do the same, reforming Social Security, fixing Medicare and advocating for tax reform.

Isakson then turned over the floor to Chambliss, who stressed they were “here primarily to hear from you.”

Chambliss went on to say that the United States is in a lot of trouble that had been building up for years. He identified the national debt, as opposed to terrorism, as the number one security concern for the country. Chambliss said if the debt problem is not fixed, then his will be the first generation in history to leave the country in worse shape than when they received it. Chambliss reiterated they have to find a way to increase revenue in ways other than raising taxes.

His suggestions for increasing revenue included reducing tax rates, invigorating the economy and expanding the tax base of people going to work.

After the senators spoke, they opened up the floor for questions from the audience.

One question, asked by junior history major Ali Manzanares from Chatsworth, dealt with controversy over immigration. Manzanares asked the senators if immigration had impacted the country at the national level.

The senators said border security needs to be put first and then they need to figure out how to deal with the people who are in the United States illegally. The senators said it is a huge problem in Georgia that they believe that it should be dealt with “quickly and frankly.”

Both senators believe there should not be 50 different immigration laws across the country.

Another question dealt with the Pell Grant, which many YHC students benefit from, and asked if funds for the scholarship would be cut. The senators answered that the government needs to prioritize the money that is spent, investing money in education instead of the Middle East.

Many other questions were covered in this hour-long meeting, including one man making the claim that he knew of more than 20 nuclear bombs west of Mississippi, though his claims were quickly dismissed by the crowd.

After the questions had been asked and the discussion time had come to a close, the senators thanked everyone for coming and encouraged them to feel free to contact each of them.

The Greek system is a large part of Young Harris College. Some young women and men that walk on to campus will, at some point, become a part of a Greek society, sorority, fraternity or perhaps, all three.

Greeks are special in their own way; however, something that sets each one apart are their jerseys.

Each fraternity, sorority, and organization has their own special set of colors and letters that is put on a jersey for each person to wear once they are finished with their education period. The jersey is the final piece of the puzzle to make someone a true Greek.

There are 12 different Greek systems on campus ranging from sororities and fraternities to organizations and honor societies. Each has their own jersey and all wear them differently.

Gamma Psi is one sorority that has an interesting way of wearing their jerseys. Their colors are navy, burgundy and white; their jerseys display these colors, but some are embellished with little butterflies. “Some lines do the butterfly thing, others don’t. It just runs in the lines,” said Monica Phelps, sophomore psychology major.

It is tradition for these ladies, but they are also known for wearing their jerseys over skirts, which Phelps mentioned was just a fashion statement.

Delta Gamma is one organization that members have interesting ways of wearing their jerseys. Their colors are black and white, and according to Delta Gamma President, Cheyenne Teeple, members are allowed to do whatever they want with their jerseys. Considering all members are somehow related to the dramatics, it makes sense why their jerseys always seem to be torn and tied in interesting ways.

Zeta Pi has the colors of pride, ambition and devotion, which are orange and blue. Their fashion statement is one that is supposed to send a message out to people. “We like to wear our old, tattered jerseys the most because the wear and tear shows that our jerseys are more than just a piece of formal clothing,” said senior biology major Levi Gentle.

Some other organizations, such as Dorcas and Sigma Beta, or SPAT, feel just the opposite. Both are honor societies and are not allowed to cut their jerseys at all. Furthermore, SPAT brothers must tuck in their jerseys while wearing them.

Another sorority that stands out from the rest is Phi Alpha Phi, or PAPs. With their white jerseys, one might notice that sometimes they are tie-dyed, instead of just white and orange. “I don’t think there’s any particular reason for it. We just like tie-dye,” said junior media communication major Ali Neese.

Whatever the trend or reason for each Greek, their colors shine proudly each time they wear their jerseys around campus.This post copyedited on April 18, 2011.

The Armadillo Grill is located on the Murphy Highway on the west side of the road just north of the 515/129 intersection. Photo by Ashton Jones

When I first heard that there was a new Restaurant opening called “The Armadillo Grill,” I will admit that I was having doubts. I suppose the reasoning behind that is because I have been hoping that since Blairsville is now able to serve alcohol, that we would get some popular food chains’ restaurants, but instead we get another locally owned place with a name that makes you suspicious of what they serve. However, I stand corrected. Eating at “The Armadillo Grill” was actually a very satisfying dining experience.

When I first pulled up to the restaurant, I was not extremely impressed due to the lack of parking options and landscaping; although I am willing to forgive that, acknowledging that they are brand new and are no doubt still making important decisions. It should be noted that the place was packed, cars parked in the adjacent field, and many groups of people waiting to be seated.

Upon entering the establishment I thought it had an altogether pleasant atmosphere. Multiple pieces of local art adorned the walls, which are painted a dark red contrasted with natural wood trim, and dim lights hover over the well-spaced tables and booths that are all centered around a rustic fireplace.

About 25 minutes passed before I was seated, and I thought the service was great. Our waitress was polite and well-spoken and ensured that our glasses remained full and our table clear of dirty dishes. The food came out surprisingly fast considering how they busy they were at the time.

The menu consisted of a large variety of items including seafood, pastas, burgers, steaks and an assortment of selections with a southern flare, and some that were refreshingly unique.

I indulged in the “Pecos chicken Parm” which consisted of a large flour tortilla shell full of penne pasta with Alfredo sauce topped with three large portions of fried chicken and provolone cheese, served with an assortment of other spices that made for a delicious and filling meal at a decent price of $11.99.

Altogether, I had a very enjoyable experience and left full and content. The “Armadillo Grill” appears to have a bright future ahead of itself, and based on my personal dining experience I give it an A and look forward to going again soon.

SPLOST is a one percent local option sales tax that is often compared to a penny, since a penny is one percent of a dollar. Photo by Ashton Jones

On March 15, Towns County voted for the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. With votes from nearly 1,500 Towns County residents, SPLOST passed with 90 percent approval.

SPLOST goes into effect July 1, and is a one percent sales tax that applies to property owners in Towns County, visitors and local citizens.

Revenue from SPLOST will provide funding for constructing school facilities. SPLOST will not cause a tax increase and will allow the current sales tax rate to stay the same. SPLOST expires on June 30 and was voted not to renew. SPLOST will benefit both Hiawassee and the city of Young Harris by funding capital outlay projects in the county.

County projects include recreation improvements, such as a multi-purpose recreational and community building and walking trails for citizens of all ages. Road improvements are included with intentions for bridge improvements, cross walks and parking areas.

SPLOST will also provide funds for ambulances, public safety vehicles and improvements for public libraries. Water and sewage developments, which will remove phosphorus, nitrogen, and other harmful wastes in Lake Chatuge, are included as well.

The first SPLOST project the county has planned is funding for the Towns County Fire Department. New equipment such as hoses and fire hydrants will be provided. These will not only benefit the fire department, but will allow lower insurance prices for some Towns County residents.

Local residents seem excited about SPLOST and what it will bring to the community. “It is a very good thing. SPLOST will provide funding for parks and recreational purposes. Without it, we wouldn’t have all of these things,” said Miranda Woody, a resident of Hiawassee.

SPLOST will last for six years and is estimated to raise $12.7 million. The cities of Hiawassee and Young Harris will each receive nine percent of the funds. When the intended projects are complete, SPLOST will be used to decrease county property taxes. Nine percent of SPLOST funding is allotted to the city of Young Harris and may financially aid parts of Young Harris College construction. A statement from YHC is not available at this time.This post copyedited on April 18, 2011.

Cathy Cox, president of YHC, YHC Police and YHC administration rush to the intersection at School Street and Duckworth Street to where a YHC student was hit by a truck. The nose of the truck can be seen in the right-hand side of the photo. Photo by Ashton Jones.

By Kathleen Layton, Editor-in-Chief

While leaving her Design I art class from the Fine Arts Annex, a female Young Harris College student was hit by a truck while crossing Highway 76. The truck was driven by a male YHC student.

Students leaving the Fine Arts Annex typically return to campus by using the crosswalk from School Street onto Duckworth Street. Erica Ware, a student at YHC, followed this same route when she was hit by a dark blue 2005 Chevrolet Colorado.

According to Georgia State Trooper Lovell, after being struck by the truck, she walked around 15 feet towards the annex and before sitting down on the north shoulder of the highway. The driver was turning left towards Blairsville from Duckworth Street when he hit Ware in the middle of the crosswalk.

Lovell stated that the driver did not see Ware in the crosswalk, but when he hit her he immediately stopped.

Classmates Kelli Denning, a freshman from Fanning County, and Luis Arteaga, a junior from Union County, witnessed the accident. According to Denning and Arteaga, they were walking a few feet in front of Ware when they heard tires screeching. They turned around in time to see their classmate hit by the truck and scream as the truck hit Ware.

“We heard her screaming,” said Denning. “It was just God-awful hearing her scream.”

Among other law enforcement and emergency respondents was Towns County fire and rescue and EMS Captain Terry Parker.

Although Ware was taken by ambulance to the hospital, Parker said that, “It appeared as if she was going to be alright.”

Both Arteaga and Denning said that Young Harris College police happened to be on Duckworth Street when the incident occurred and responded immediately.

However, since the accident occurred on a state highway, the accident was ultimately turned over to the Georgia State Patrol.

It is not known at this time if charges will be filed against either party as a result of the incident.

Cathy Cox, president of YHC, was on scene consoling a student believed to be a relative of Ware’s. Cox announced to curious onlookers while leaving the scene that Ware never lost consciousness and was being transferred to a local hospital.

The College released an official statement about the incident saying, “At this time, it does not appear that any major injuries were sustained. The student was treated at the scene and transported to Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee for further examination. Young Harris College staff members remain with the student and are monitoring the student’s progress.”

The male driver of the truck wished to be anonymous and did not want to be interviewed. He was visibly upset and mentioned he felt badly about the accident.

Colorful string bikinis are among the top fashions for 2011's spring break. Photo by Ashton Jones

Spring break is a time for students to just get away from school, classes, homework and the midterms.

This year, spring break comes early in the calendar year for Young Harris College students; however, that does not mean that students will not be venturing to the beach for their vacation.

Even at the beach though, people have to be fashionable. So what are the fashions for spring break 2011?

For the ladies, the bikini is still popular, string bikini to be exact. The string bikinis that sit right on the hips and halters around the neck seem most popular; although, a strapless top is popular as well. Polka dots, bright colors and embroidery are in style, with some stripes still looking good also.

When you are not lounging on the beach or sitting poolside, ladies shorts and skirts are most in season. Jean shorts and skirts with floral, a bright solid or some pattern are most fashionable. Capri’s are coming back as well, but mostly only jean Capri’s. For your feet, flip-flops of course, but do not forget about the wedged heels as well.

Gentlemen, out on the beach or by the pool, board shorts are fashionable this season. Shorts that have floral patterns, plaid or solids are hot this spring.

Once you leave the beach, your board shorts are appropriate bottoms to wear around. As far as shirts go, solid polo shirts are best and definitely flip-flops on your feet.

Of course not everyone will be going to the beach this spring break. Some people will be traveling up North or into colder climates. For those people, pants, long sleeves, closed toed shoes and jackets are suitable.

No matter where you will be this spring break, being fashionable is always important to impress.